How to Fix Those Common Curb Appeal Blunders

Curb appeal is a great way to attract people to your home, but not many know how to solve any existing problems they may be experiencing with their curbs. While a yard and the front of the house do not have to be perfect, they should look good enough to convince a potential buyer to step inside. A house that does not appear well maintained by the owner is usually a red flag. Poorly kept homes can make some lower their offer, or become discouraged to step inside the home. Here are a few ways that you can improve the overall look of your curb.

Eliminate Clutter

While lawn ornaments can add personality to a front yard, they may not be appealing to everyone. Too many decorations can signal to your neighbors that they can also have a full front yard. This does not only apply to lawn ornaments, but excess flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. Make sure that all plants are well taken care of and watered regularly. The outside of your home should be represented in a neat and tidy manner for a great first impression.

Overgrown Yards

There is a big difference between a big garden or flower bed that is healthy, and those that contain an excess amount of dead plants. Be sure to get rid of anything that is dead, and trim anything that is overgrown. An overgrown front or backyard can immediately lead to assumptions about how the inside of your house may look like.

Your Home’s Condition

Those who have lived in their homes for a long time tend to not notice the small quirks that other people can immediately see when looking at your home. Have a friend take a look at your house and make a list of things that could be improved. Take note of any cracks in the driveway, rust spots, broken shutters or broken steps.

Cleanliness

Over the years, it’s common for all of the outside components of your home to collect dust, dirt, water and practically every other weather element out there. Fortunately, this can be easy to fix with a garden hose. If you have a lot of build-up, consider renting a power washer.

Home Color Choice

A unique color can make your house stand out, and can appeal to a smaller group of buyers. If your homes color stands out in your neighborhood, think about repainting for a fresh look. This is especially true if the paint is faded and needs touching up. An outdated or odd color choice may cause the home to sell a bit longer than expected.